Opexa Therapeutics expects to submit IND for OPX-212 in mid 2015Expects to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of OPX-212 in NMO for 2H15. Expects to apply for orphan drug designation and fast track designation for OPX-212 in 2016 or 2017. Expects to report top-line data of Abili-T Phase 2b trial of Tcelna in SPMS in 2H16.

Coronado in-licenses IV Tramadol from Revogenex Ireland Coronado Biosciences has obtained an exclusive license to an intravenous formulation of tramadol for the U.S. market from Revogenex Ireland, a privately held company in Dublin, Ireland. Coronado has formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Avenue Therapeutics, Inc., to acquire, in-license, develop and commercialize products principally for use in the U.S. hospital market. Coronado will transfer the Revogenex license to Avenue Therapeutics, Inc. In addition to IV tramadol, Avenue Therapeutics plans to seek additional products. Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic for moderate to moderately severe pain. It is available as immediate release or extended-release tablets in the U.S. It has been reported that oral tramadol sales were approximately $1.2B in the U.S. in 2014.

Sarepta upgraded at BofA/MerrillAs previously reported, BofA/Merrill upgraded Sarepta to Buy from Neutral. The firm has increased confidence that eleplirsen will be approved for treating boys with DMD. Price target raised to $21 from $19.